To my 26th Ward neighbors,
A special thank you to our ward superintendent Hugo. Together, we cleared up the debris from several sewer caps after the record setting rainfall came to a halt on late Sunday afternoon. We received calls of streets and alleys that were flooded and facilitated 311 requests. If there is any standing water on your block, attempt to clear the storm drain. If you are not able to clear the storm drain, call our office for support or email us at info@the26thward.org. If your basement flooded, please submit a complaint here.
Building a safer 26th Ward is one of my top priorities, to do so I have put together a Public Safety Committee that will serve as advisory committee for the next four years. Our Public Safety Committee includes violence prevention and intervention organizations, police district council members and residents. On Monday, June 26, we had our first Public Safety Committee meeting to reflect on the work that was done over memorial day weekend, Fiesta Patronales, and the needs for the remainder of the summer. We will continue to invest in our community, provide alternatives, and invest in our young people to build a better and safer 26th Ward.
Last week I was invited to tour Erie Teen Center where we learned about their services, toured their facilities, and met committed staff dedicated to the wellness of our families and young people. I am ready to partner with Erie to ensure that we are providing culturally congruent and bicultural healthcare to the residents in the 26th Ward.
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On Wednesday, June 28th I had the honor of co-hosting a community safety conversation with Congresswoman Delia Ramírez and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center; our invited guests included Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Senator Robert Peters, Congressman Danny Davis, and Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood. We listened to Puerto Rican Cultural Center leaders as they shared the strategies and programs they use to prevent violence in Humboldt Park and how they partner with other organizations to heal and transform our neighborhoods. We were excited to hear our elected colleagues commit to investing in programs similar to the Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s as we work towards building safer communities.
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On Thursday, Cook County’s & Chicago’s openly LGBTQ+ elected officials came together for a joint Pride celebration which included the Chicago’s city hall & county building’s first ever drag performance by Coco Sho-Nel. It was my honor to co-host this event with my colleagues and make history in City Hall. As we wrapped up pride month it was important for me to remind all of our colleagues and residents across the city that we must continue to advocate and rally around our LGBTQ+ community as surrounding states are repealing and rolling back our rights and making it dangerous for LGBTQ+ residents to love openly in our country. I am proud to belong to the gayest city council and represent a sanctuary city.
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On Saturday, a group of volunteers and summer interns helped beautify the area near Armitage and Kostner. Volunteers removed garbage from sidewalks, streets, the public way, and alleys. While working, we ran into many neighbors who had concerns of their own like abandoned cars and potholes. Networking with neighbors is how we will stay abreast to the needs of each block. If you’d like to request a clean-up of your block, submit a request here. I look forward to our continued collaboration.
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My office is committed to serving every resident and meeting them where they are. If you would like to set up an appointment, please send an email to info@the26thward.org to get signed up for our Ward Nights. Share our newsletter with a friend and ask them to sign up for our weekly updates and news at www.the26thward.org.
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
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Casa Central Job Interview Pop-up Event
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Casa Central is hiring for a range of positions and my office is partnering with them to host a Job Interview and Application Pop-up at my office on Tuesday, July 11th from 10am-2pm. At this event you can apply for jobs and interview on the spot. Casa Central will have representatives present to speak with candidates who are interested. You are encouraged to bring a resume, but they are not required.
For more information visit casacentral.org/careers.
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This Fourth of July, let's remember to care for and respect our neighborhood and neighbors by cleaning up fireworks after celebrating. If you would like to request a special garbage pick-up for firecracker disposal, contact my office, either by phone or email. Please remember consumer fireworks are illegal in Chicago (including handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, roman candles, and M-80s). M-series fireworks are especially dangerous and the loud noise is harmful to pets and individuals with PTSD.
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Garbage & Recycling Collection Notice
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There will be no garbage collection on Tuesday July 4, 2023. All city- collected refuse will be service Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
Additionally, residents should be advised of potential changes to Blue Cart Recycling collection based on their service provider.
(1) The Department of Streets and Sanitation (Zones 2 and 4) will collect recycling Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all Blue Recycling Carts are accessible throughout the week of collection.
(2) LRS (Service Areas 1,3,5 and 6) will be collected on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. Friday collections being moved to Saturday. There will be No Recycling Cart Service collection on Tuesday, July 5, 2023. Residents with private service should continue to put out Blue Recycling Carts throughout the week, per their typical schedule.
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Street Closure: California & Division
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Construction on the1203 N California project at California and Division St is scheduled to remove a tower crane on Monday July 10th and Tuesday 11th, which will require street closures. Division will be closed, from California going east for ~300 ft, with a detour on Chicago Ave. The shut down will begin early in the morning on 7/10, and should be cleaned up by the evening of 7/11.
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The 26th ward office is currently located at 2511 W Division St. The office's hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday 1 pm - 7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 9 am - 3 pm
In observance of the July 4th Holiday, the 26th Ward office will be open from 1pm to 3pm on Monday, July 3rd. The office will close on Tuesday, July 4th. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, July 5th. For pressing concerns, please contact us at info@the26thward.org or (773)-395-0143.
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We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (15-24 years old) that resides in the 26th Ward and wants to have a say in how we spend infrastructure money and what type of policies I champion, please sign up for our youth council by applying at bit.ly/youth26.
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights will take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org. The ward night schedule for the next few weeks is as follows: 7/10, 7/17, 7/24 and 7/31.
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14th District Public Safety Meetings
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Have concerns about police and public safety?
Come share your experience with the 14th Police District Council on
Saturday, August 5th from 1-2:30pm at the Logan Square Library (3030 W Fullerton) with guest speaker Sharlyn Grace, Sr. Policy at Public
Defender's office, explaining the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Give your public comments at these meetings or by emailing it along with your district (14) to: Javon.Lewis-Brown@cityofchicago.org.
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Celebrating 150 Years of the Chicago Public Library
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Chicago Public Library is turning 150 and it has stories to tell. They have produced a six-episode limited podcast series that takes listeners on a journey – from building a library after the Great Chicago Fire to reimagining what libraries could be. Each podcast episode will bring a mix of voices and stories found in Chicago’s 80+ branches that make Chicago Public Library a city treasure and a leader in the space.
Click here to listen.
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Honeycomb Network Fundraiser
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The Honeycomb Network is hosting a fundraiser to sustain their beautiful community space and the services they provide. The fundraiser, "The Propolis Plan" will be held on July 19th from 6-8pm at the Honeycomb Network (2659 W Division St). Delicious foods, herbal teas, live performances, and other goodies.
"In nature, bees create a substance called propolis as a way to seal and strengthen their hive. In this same way, we are calling on the help of our community to assist us in creating our rendition of propolis, to protect + sustain our important space as we are confronted by possible displacement.
This event is co-hosted by Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward."
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Grant Information Webinar
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Looking to build or grow your organization? Interested in applying for City funding? Join the Chicago Department of Planning and Development for a virtual grant information session on July 13 to learn about opportunities for businesses and nonprofits through the Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP).
CRP grants include Community Development, Equitable Transit Oriented Development and Climate Infrastructure Fund. The CRP team will answer questions about each grant type, eligibility criteria and application requirements. The July 13th session will be held with live Chinese translation, and content will be displayed in simplified Chinese.
Explore events and register at bit.ly/3PA6oyk. Applications are accepted through August 18th.
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Re-Activation
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The Humboldt Park Advisory Council is re-activating and hosting it's first meeting of the year this Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Humboldt Park Boathouse (1301 N. Humboldt Park Dr). This meeting is open to the public.
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Job Opportunity at Streets and Sanitation
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation is currently accepting applications for the position of Pool Motor Truck Driver, starting at $31.40 per hour.
We are providing you with a link to the Job Description that you can use share. Any individual who meets the qualifications can apply online by clicking here or scanning the QR code above.
Applicants who have questions about how to apply can contact the Department of Human Resources directly at (312) 744-4976 or humanresources@cityofchicago.org.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Join Palenque LSNA and partners on August 12, 2023 from 10-4pm on Armitage and Keeler Ave for a one day food festival featuring all your Latine favorites including but not limited to: tamales, arepas, empanadas and pupusas!
There will be over 30 food vendors serving authentic and delicious home cooked food from all over Latin America. Try Honduran tamales, Colombian and Venezuelan Arepas, Guatemalan chuchitos and Mexican corundas. Click here for more info: https://fb.me/e/1pMHJh8aq
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.
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Meal Request for Asylum seekers staying in the 14th District Lobby
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The 14th District Support Network is hoping to find ways for organizations, churches, and volunteers to step in to help feed people. If you are able to volunteer, your generosity is greatly appreciated. There are anywhere from 5-30 migrants staying in the station at any one time with a mix of families and solo travelers. Sign up here.
Our 26th Ward office (located at 2511 W Division St.) is also accepting donations in direct response to asylum seeker's needs in the ward. Donations needed this week include:
- Sleeping pads
- Phones
- Sim cards
- Suitcases
- Bikes and Ventra cards.
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